Good News From The War On Terror 3/13

Coalition targets facilitation networks, terrorist safe havens; two killed, 24 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 24 suspects Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation in Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator associated with the city's al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The suspect is reportedly responsible for a recent shipment of homemade explosives, and has connections to the AQI leadership and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells in Baghdad. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.

Northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains today, Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of the region's AQI network. Reports indicate the region is a known AQI and foreign terrorist safe haven, transient location and facilitation route. During the operation, the ground force repeatedly called for the occupants in the target buildings to come out, but two individuals did not comply with instructions. After some time, the individuals finally emerged and began maneuvering towards the ground force. The suspects were directed to stop but did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing two terrorists.  Coalition forces also found several weapons in the target area, which were safely destroyed on site.

Nearby, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during a two-day operation in the region. During the operation, the ground force discovered three terrorist safe houses, located various medical supplies and destroyed three caches of weapons to prevent further use by terrorists.

During two operations northwest of Samarra today, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and associates of a media cell leader involved in the al-Anbar AQI network.

Coalition forces detained another three suspected terrorists during continued efforts to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in northern Iraq. Southwest of Bi'aj, Coalition forces captured an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator with connections throughout the AQI network, including ties to a senior level facilitator operating outside of Iraq. Also, two suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul Wednesday while targeting an alleged associate of AQI senior leaders operating in the region.

 

Significant caches found in Anbar

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Iraqi Police discovered two significant weapons caches in Anbar Province over the past seven days.

The first cache was discovered west of Rawah, March 7 and the second in Fallujah March 11.

Hassa IP, near Rawah, discovered and reported a weapons cache on a farm. A Marine unit launched a mounted patrol to investigate the report. Marines confirmed the discovery, and an explosive ordnance disposal unit’s support was requested.

At the site, a young sheep herder directed Marines to three more caches. The boy claimed to have seen the farm’s owner bury items at night with a bulldozer. The caches had all been emplaced within the week but the majority of the items buried were unserviceable.

The first cache consisted of 42 PG9 rockets; Chinese 60mm HE mortar rounds; Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds; 1,200 7.62 x .39 mm rounds; 1,300 non-electric blasting caps; 47, 14.5 mm rounds; 720 Russian PD fuses; 264 PG15 Propellant Cartridges; 80 Russian hand grenades; a Russian AT-3B Sagger guided missile; a Russian AT-3C Sagger guided missile; and a couple Russian practice Sagger guided missiles.

The second cache consisted of 300 electric blasting caps, 300 improvised squibs, Russian PD fuses, Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds, 200 Spanish PD fuses, 188 Yugoslavian PD fuses, 250 non-electric blasting caps, and 28 Chinese 107mm HE rockets.

The third cache consisted of 41 Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds, 19 Chinese 60mm HE mortar rounds, and a DShK tripod.

The fourth cache consisted of DShK anti-aircraft guns, Chinese 100mm HEAT-T projectiles, and a Russian practice Sagger guided missile.

A follow up cache sweep conducted by EOD March 9 resulted in the discovery of seven additional cache sites in this area.

The first cache consisted of 82mm mortar tubes and 60mm mortar tubes.

The second cache consisted of 39 Russian mortars; 82mm HE; 2,000 7.62x54mm ammunition; and 2,000 7.62x39mm ammunition.

The third cache consisted of 10, 70mm HEAT PG7M Russian rockets; 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian Rockets with launchers; 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars; 24 85mm HEAT PG7 Iraqi rockets; 73mm HE OG9 Russian projectile; 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian grenades; 100 14.5x114mm ammunition; 73mm HEAT PG9 Russian rockets; 1,000 7.62x39mm ammunition; 100 electric detonators; 30` leg wires; and 60, 1.25 lb TNT Blocks.

The fourth cache consisted of a machinegun and 500 7.62x54mm ammunition.

The fifth cache consisted of 255 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars, 55 73mm HE OG9B Bulgarian projectiles, 73mm HE OG9 Russian projectiles, 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian Grenades, 34 250m spools of black detonation cord, 1,000` red detonation cord, 200 Russian fuse projectiles, PIBD GPV2, 150 Russian Fuse projectiles, PD GO2, 37 PG15 propellant cartridges, 150 14.5x114mm ammunition, 160mm mortar primary cartridges, 200 electric blasting caps, 160mm mortar long range charge increments, 200 non-electric blasting caps, 130mm Illumination S2 Russian projectiles, 152mm HE M88 former Yugoslav projectile and a 130mm HE OF482M Russian projectile.

The sixth cache consisted of an RPG-7 launcher.

The seventh cache consisted of 70mm HEAT PG7M Russian rockets, 85mm HEAT PG7 Iraqi rockets, 68mm HE 26P French rockets, 251 60mm Type 83A Chinese mortars, 105 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars, a 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian rocket, 23 57mm HE S5M0 Russian rockets, a 75mm HE bounding Type 69 Chinese rocket, 425 PG15 propellant cartridges, a 73mm HE 346E Russian projectile, 34 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian grenades, 235 Chinese mortar fuses, PD MP4, a 100mm Illumination Type 71 Chinese mortar, 21 160mm HE F853A Russian mortars, 200 UZRGM grenade fuses, 1000’ yellow detonation cord, a 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian rocket with launcher, RPG-7 launchers, 22 pounds of stick propellant, 40 pounds PE-4, 25 pounds aluminum-based HME, 230 160mm mortar increments, 160mm base propellant cartridges, 50 Chinese mortar fuses PD MP1B, 100 Russian fuse projectiles PD GO2, 3,600 7.62x39mm ammunition, 600 9.3x74mm ammunition, 300 .22 Caliber ammunition, 500 9mm ammunition, HE F1 Russian hand grenades, a AK-47 Russian assault rifle, an MG3 German machine gun, an MG42 German machine gun, an SKS Russian carbine, a PPSh Russian submachine gun with drum, a PKM Russian machine gun receiver, a RPD Russian light machine gun, Sterling British submachine guns, a G3A3 German battle rifle, binoculars, night vision scope, mortar sights, sniper sights, a non-functioning suitcase IED and 60mm mortar tubes.

Hassa IP has taken the owner of the farm into custody.

The Rawah combined cache find items weigh more than 2,600 pounds. This combined cache totals more than 8,800 items.

The Fallujah IP discovered another weapons cache while conducting an intelligence-driven dismounted cache sweep of a city residence March 11.

While searching the residence, Fallujah IP discovered the weapons cache in a room hidden behind a false wall. Inside this concealed room there were two spider holes that contained additional items of the weapons cache.

The weapons cache consisted of Iraqi fragmentation grenades, an RGD-5 Soviet hand grenade, British hand grenades, RKG-3 HEAT Soviet hand grenades, Yugoslavian hand grenades, Soviet hand grenades, 29 Soviet bomb HEAT/fragmentation PTAB-2.5kg, 48 PTAB fuse I-351AMs, 93 fuses, French 68mm rocket SPAMVs, 19 57mm HEAT S-5Ks rockets, a 70mm SA-6 Soviet guided missile, 22 73mm HE Soviet RPG OG-9s, 73mm Soviet PG-9s, 73mm PG-9 Soviet practice rockets, 70mm HEAT Soviet PG-7 rockets, 70mm practice Soviet PG-7 rockets, 44 rocket propelled grenade motors, 75mm APERS/bounding Chinese Type-69 rockets, 30mm HE Yugoslav rifle grenades, 40mm M62 illumination Yugoslav rifle grenades, 39 82mm HE mortars, Recoilless rifle propelling charges; 2,500 electric blasting caps, a couple pounds of PE-4, 500 mortar increments, several pounds of loose propellant; 5,000’ yellow detonation cord, 75’ red detonation cord, several pounds of various chunks solid propellant, striker release UZRGM Soviet grenade fuses, several pounds of unknown HME, 55gal drums containing small arms ammunition, RPG launchers, assorted rifles, a Sabot round, bayonets, miscellaneous Iraqi Army uniforms and uniform items, various leather and nylon tactical gear, mortar sights, RPG sights, rifle scopes, thermal battery, license plates, Motorola CP340 hand held radios, a Multi-tester ASWAR model DT-830D, US communications batteries Ultra Life, telephone car charger, Senao LRCT hand set batteries, LRCT base stations unwrapped, LRCT hand sets, 9V GETTOP batteries, a box of latex gloves, washing machine timers, unknown documents, a Soviet striker release UZRGM and a cassette tape.

An EOD team collected the weapons cache for disposal.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban support operations

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Nearly a dozen militants were killed and two suspected militants detained March 11 during a Coalition forces operation to degrade Taliban support networks in Helmand Province.

Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in the Garmsir District targeting Taliban foreign fighter and weapons facilitation operations.

During the course of the operation, Coalition forces came under small-arms fire from several militants.

A post-hostilities assessment revealed multiple opium processing rooms, various types of explosives, a number of AK-47s, machine guns and ammunition.  All were destroyed on-site to prevent their use by extremist forces.

Continuing their search, Coalition forces found and detained two individuals with suspected ties to foreign fighters, weapons smuggling and narcotics trafficking operations.

 

March 12 airpower summary

Winter Soldier II Hearings

The Winter Soldier II hearings are organized by the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). The real kicker is that you don't have to be a veteran of Iraq to join the group.

I want to know more about joining IVAW

I haven’t been to Iraq. Can I join?
Yes. Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) is open to anybody who has served in the military (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists) since September 11th, 2001. Military members who are currently serving can be guaranteed confidentiality.

Now you may be wondering how someone who hasn't been to Iraq can swear and attest the "atrocities" that are/were committed there, the answer is, "I haven't a clue". None of them are required to take an oath before their "testimony".

 

John from This Aint Hell is live blogging the event.

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

 

Others blogging:

The Sniper

 

I'm putting up $100 to the hooligan that evokes the name of Genghis Khan like John Kerry did in Winter Soldier I.

I am not here as John Kerry. I am here as one member of the group of 1,000 which is a small representation of a very much larger group of veterans in this country, and were it possible for all of them to sit at this table they would be here and have the same kind of testimony....

I would like to talk, representing all those veterans, and say that several months ago in Detroit, we had an investigation at which over 150 honorably discharged and many very highly decorated veterans testified to war crimes committed in Southeast Asia, not isolated incidents but crimes committed on a day-to-day basis with the full awareness of officers at all levels of command....

They told the stories at times they had personally raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, taped wires from portable telephones to human genitals and turned up the power, cut off limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages in fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan, shot cattle and dogs for fun, poisoned food stocks, and generally ravaged the countryside of South Vietnam in addition to the normal ravage of war, and the normal and very particular ravaging which is done by the applied bombing power of this country.

We call this investigation the "Winter Soldier Investigation." The term "Winter Soldier" is a play on words of Thomas Paine in 1776 when he spoke of the Sunshine Patriot and summertime soldiers who deserted at Valley Forge because the going was rough.

We who have come here to Washington have come here because we f eel we have to be winter soldiers now. We could come back to this country; we could be quiet; we could hold our silence; we could not tell what went on in Vietnam, but we feel because of what threatens this country, the fact that the crimes threaten it, not reds, and not redcoats but the crimes which we are committing that threaten it, that we have to speak out.

Obama's Racist, Anti-American Spiritual Advisor

 

 

More on the Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC)

We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian... Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land," the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.

 

Nice church. You can only join if you're black. I thought churches were supposed accept all people into their congregation.

They are currently being investigated by the IRS. Churches are traditionally a tax exempt group as long as they do not cross the line into politics. Read the TUCC bulletin (.PDF) and watch the above videos and you will see they crossed that line.

 

h/t: Hot Air, NewsBusters

Good News From The War On Terror 3/11-12

Iraqi Police in western Iraq seize 5 major weapons caches, detain 1

HABBANIYAH, Iraq – The Rawah Iraqi Police and the Khalidiyah Iraqi Police and Transition Team and found and cleared 5 major weapons caches and detained one suspect earlier this month.

The Rawah Iraqi Police discovered a weapons cache approximately 7 miles west of Rawah March 7. They were directed by locals on-scene to three more cashes.

The four cashes consisted of 42 PG9 rockets, 28 60 mm mortar rounds, 28 107 mm rockets, 46 82 mm mortar rounds, 1,850 blasting caps, 47 14.5 mm rounds, 2 Sagger guided missiles, 3 Sagger practice guided missiles, 1,079 fuses, 1 tripod, 3 antiaircraft guns, 3 100 mm Heat-T projectiles.

The ordinance was collected and destroyed via controlled detonation.

The Khalidiyah Iraqi Police and Transition Team discovered a weapons cache consisting of 36,300 serviceable blasting caps and detained a suspected insurgent earlier in the month.

The IP transported the blasting caps to the Khalidiyah Police Station’s unexploded ordnance pit for disposition by 1st Iraqi Quick Reaction Force’s bomb disposal company.

The cache consisted of 24,900 non-electric and 11,400 electric caps.

The discovery of this cache eliminated key components capable of producing more than 11,400 improvised explosive devices.

 

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; five killed, 11 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspects Monday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

North of Ad Dawr Monday, surveillance elements positively identified a group of terrorists attempting to emplace improvised explosive devices in a road and called for a supporting fixed-wing aircraft to attack the time sensitive target, killing three terrorists. 

Also Monday, during an operation northwest of Mosul, Coalition forces killed a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in the city’s AQI network. The suspect was believed to be responsible for vehicle-borne IED operations and is associated with numerous AQI leaders and operatives throughout Mosul. Coalition forces confirmed the location of the wanted AQI leader and a supporting helicopter was called to engage, killing him and another terrorist, and destroying the vehicle they were operating in. 

In Mosul today, Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting Saudi foreign terrorists associated with the AQI networks in the west and southeast regions of the city. The ground force detained four suspects during the two operations.

In Bayji today, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting an alleged associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator and AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq.

During operations west of Samarra and near Tikrit today, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting alleged associates of an AQI leader involved in propaganda operations for the network in al-Anbar Province. 

Another two suspects were detained today during an operation in Abu Ghraib targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network.

 

Al-Kut ISWAT and U.S. Special Forces destroy van, kill several armed suspects

BALAD, Iraq – U.S. Special Forces, responding to a request for support from Iraqi Security Forces, destroyed a vehicle transporting weapons and explosives during operations March 11 in al-Kut.

The U.S. SF quick reaction force supporting al-Kut ISWAT was attacked in the city by suspected criminal militia fighters.

Al-Kut ISWAT was patrolling in the city when attacked by several enemy fighters armed with assault rifles and at least one RPK machine gun.

At least one ISWAT policeman was injured by the assault. The al-Kut ISWAT requested assistance from a nearby U.S. SF unit which responded with a ground quick-reaction force and called for support from Coalition forces aircraft.

While nearing the scene, U.S. SF unit was attacked by a large number of enemy fighters.

The U.S. SF returned fire, killing several enemy fighters and destroying two vehicles carrying machine-guns.

The suspects in the vehicles were also conducting ammunition and weapons resupply to enemy forces.

Near the scene of the initial attack, U.S. SF observed a van pulling up to several suspects. Some of these suspects were armed.

They were observed pulling a large number of weapons and explosives from the van.

They distributed them throughout the area and an adjacent house. Several suspects were observed placing objects believed to be improvised explosive devices at locations along the travel route for Iraqi and Coalition forces approaching the attack location.

U.S. SF employed a precision munition from a Coalition forces aircraft to destroy the van and prevent the further distribution of weapons and explosives.

Several secondary explosions were observed in the van, indicating that it contained explosives and possible IEDs. Several small secondary explosions were observed in the adjacent house where weapons and explosives had been placed before the airstrike.

Security concerns and the presence of suspected IEDs prevented Coalition forces from entering the area. Armed suspects were observed approaching the scene and evacuating some of the wounded. At least one armed suspect was observed changing clothes before leaving the scene.

 

March 10 airpower summary

 

March 11 airpower summary

Latest McCain Poll

From FreeRepublic

 

Link Dump 3/11

Teen girls are dirty whores

At least one in four teenage girls nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease, or more than 3 million teens, according to the first study of its kind in this age group.

 

10yo dies from his friends burying his head in the sand (horrible parenting alert)

...the TV cartoon "Narutu" gave him and his friends the idea of burying him head first in a sandbox. They thought he was joking Saturday when he struggled.

 

Mormons suck!

Photos posted on the Internet showed three Mormon missionaries mocking a Catholic shrine and holding the broken head of a statue of a saint there, a church official said.

 

Primates donate kidneys to raise money for Israeli assassinations

Iranian students are offering rewards totaling a million dollars for the execution of three top Israeli military officers over the deadly strikes on Gaza, and they are encouraging fellow Iranians to donate their kidneys to raise the funds...

 

Gnome terrorizes Argentina town

A town in South America is living in fear after several sightings of a 'creepy gnome' that locals claim stalks the streets at night...

Excalibur Round Debuts In Afghanistan

Precision destruction. A 155mm GPS-guided round.

Soldiers of Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, fired the first 155mm GPS-guided Excalibur artillery round in Afghanistan Feb. 25.

The GPS-guided Excalibur round was given the proper grid coordinate to seek out and destroy a target using the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter by placing the system on the tip of the round and sending a digital message containing the coordinate for the round to find.

“The Excalibur round travels farther and is designed to hit targets that conventional ammo does not always hit,” said Army Staff Sgt. Darius Scott, 36, of Sumter, S.C., deployed with C Battery, 3-321st FAR.

The Excalibur was fired using the M777A2 155MM howitzer.  The M777 is designed to be a completely digitally programmed weapon and is about 9,800 pounds lighter than the more commonly used M198 Howitzer and is more accurate.

“The main purpose of the M777A2 is that it is more able to help the units in the Korengal Valley by providing more timely and accurate fire,” said Army Capt. Ryan Berdiner, 28, of Landsville, Pa., commander of C Battery, 3rd Bn., 321st FAR.

“By using the Excalibur, we are mitigating a lot of collateral damage that other rounds may cause,” said Scott.

The test fire was deemed to be a success when word came back from the impact area that the Excalibur successfully completed its mission by finding and destroying the target at the provided grid coordinate.

Good News From The War On Terror 3/8-10

Al-Qaeda targeted, weapons caches destroyed; five killed, 26 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed five terrorists, detained 26 suspects and found several weapons caches Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted an operation northwest of Samarra today, targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in propaganda operations for the network in al-Anbar province. The suspect is believed to be associated with several AQI leaders, including foreign terrorists operating outside of Iraq.

As Coalition forces arrived in the area, they received enemy fire from four individuals they observed departing the target building and moving into a nearby field. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged, killing the four armed terrorists. As they secured the area where the terrorists were located, the ground force found various equipment and weapons, including four military style assault vests, machine guns, ammunition and magazines, bomb-making materials and medical supplies.

The ground force moved to a nearby building and discovered a large weapons cache that included machine guns, rockets, grenades, numerous magazines and ammunition, mortars, improvised explosive device materials and initiators, detonation cord, ball bearings, military-style assault vests, medical supplies, and various other military hardware items. A vehicle found in the target area also contained numerous AQI propaganda materials. During their final sweep of the area, Coalition forces found another weapons cache and a building with several false floors containing weapons and ammunition. Once the area was clear, Coalition forces called supporting fixed-wing aircraft to conduct precision airstrikes, destroying two buildings, two vehicles and the two weapons caches to prevent further use for terrorist activities.

In Mosul Saturday and today, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists, including an alleged leader involved in the AQI network operating on the east side of the city. The suspect is reportedly associated with several senior leaders of the AQI network in the region, to include Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the former Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator killed Feb. 27. 

As Coalition forces began to enter the target building, they encountered a terrorist armed with a suicide vest. The ground force evacuated before the terrorist detonated his vest, killing himself, but causing no harm to Coalition forces. The ground force continued to clear the area and found a vehicle loaded with several weapons, which they destroyed on site to prevent further use for terrorist activity. Also in Mosul, another three suspects were detained during a separate operation targeting a senior leader for the city's AQI network.

Northeast of Balad this morning, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged explosives facilitator connected to the Baghdad AQI network. Coalition forces also discovered 30 bags of Urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials, in one of the target buildings, which was safely destroyed, along with a vehicle allegedly used for terrorist activity. Nearby, another four suspects were detained during an operation Saturday targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and smuggling weapons and IED materials. 

Coalition forces detained another 10 suspects today near Taji, during an operation targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the northern belt AQI network.

 

MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache in Tarmiyah

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons and munitions during ongoing operations in Tarmiyah, located north of Baghdad, March 8.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized the weapons cache near Joint Security Station Tarmiyah. 

The munitions seized included SK5 rockets, PG7 rockets, type-69 rockets, 160 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, projectiles, Iraqi hand grenades, and various other munitions and weapons.

An explosive ordnance disposal team performed a controlled detonation at the cache site.

 

MND-B Soldiers detain 3 in Rashid

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detain three suspected insurgents during operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital March 8.

During the early morning hours, Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, detained the three suspects in West Rashid’s Risalah neighborhood.

One of the men is suspected of numerous indirect fire and improvised-explosive device attacks in the area.

 

Taliban insurgent networks disrupted in Oruzgan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Ten suspected insurgents were detained during a Coalition forces operation in Oruzgan Province to disrupt Taliban leadership networks March 8.

Coalition forces searched compounds in the Jawara District targeting a Taliban commander who was conducting anti-government activities.

While conducting their search, Coalition forces found and detained 10 individuals with suspected links to Taliban insurgent networks. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

March 7 airpower summary

NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) Busted In Prostitution Ring *UPDATE* To Resign

In another right wing conspiracy, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer (A DEMOCRAT) has been outed in a prostitution ring. Instead of rooting out corruption, he was rooting out the nether-regions of hookers.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the crusading politician who built his career on rooting out corruption, apologized Monday after he was accused of involvement in a prostitution ring. He did not elaborate on the scandal, which drew calls for his resignation.

His stoic wife at his side, Spitzer told reporters at a hastily called news conference: "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family."

"I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself," he said. "I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."

Spitzer's involvement in the ring was caught on a federal wiretap as part of an investigation opened in recent months, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing inquiry.

The New York Democrat, identified in legal papers as "Client 9," met last month with at least one woman in a Washington hotel, the law enforcement official said.

 

***UPDATE 03/10/08 10:00PM***

Reports are Gov. Spitzer is to be indicted and resign from office.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is expected to submit his resignation to the New York General Assembly as early as Monday night after allegations surfaced earlier in the day that he is "Client 9," named in a federal prostitution case, sources told FOX News.

Four arrests were made last week in connection to the alleged high-dollar ring, known as the Emperors Club VIP. According to a law enforcement official, Spitzer was named in court papers as a client after being taped arranging a meeting with one of the prostitutes.

The New York Times reports that the governor's travel records show he was in Washington in mid-February. It also says one of the ring's clients arranged to meet with a prostitute during that time.

Vatican Proclaims Contributing To "Climate Change" Is A Sin

They have unveiled a new list of "social sins". Among these new "social sins" is contributing to "climate change" and social/economic injustices (whatever that's supposed to mean). The Vatican is becoming increasingly more involved in public policy instead of religion. I think the Vatican is committing a sin also. Worshiping a false idol (the Goreacle) and false religion (the religion of global warming) is a sin also.

Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation. Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight.

[...]

... in an interview headlined "New Forms of Social Sin," also listed "ecological" offences as modern evils.

In recent months, Pope Benedict has made several strong appeals for the protection of the environment, saying issues such as climate change had become gravely important for the entire human race.

 

I had great hopes for this pope when he said that Islam was a religion based on violence, but it's been downhill from there.

Spotty Internet + 18" Of Snow = No Posts Yesterday

Some pics of the fun yesterday:

 

 

A pic down the street

 

  Another pic down the other street       My brother trying to jump over a snow mound and failing miserably. After his face hit the sidewalk, he says, "I don't think that was such a good idea". Ya think? I thank God that I had the camera and was taking pics when this happened.       Finally; for all of you wondering what I look like, here I am.  

Good News From The War On Terror 3/7

Coalition targets al-Qaeda in northern Iraq; one killed, five detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained five suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.

In northeast Mosul Thursday, Coalition forces targeted a suspect believed to be the replacement for the former Saudi al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader and foreign terrorist facilitator Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, who was killed by Coalition forces Feb. 27. Reports indicate the targeted individual is involved in coordinating attacks and kidnappings in the area. 

Coalition forces followed a vehicle associated with the targeted suspect to a nearby house, where they observed the driver and passenger get out. As the ground force arrived in the area, one of the individuals attempted to shoot at them. Coalition forces engaged the hostile threat, wounding him. The suspect, who was armed with pistols and a grenade, was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.

Coalition forces returned to the same area today and captured an alleged senior leader for the terrorist network operating on the east side of the city. Intelligence indicates the suspect is involved in the facilitation and distribution of weapons throughout east Mosul, and oversees several other AQI members. One of his subordinates is reportedly responsible for the production of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two other suspected terrorists.

Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Tall Afar near Tall Wardan today, targeting an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator associated with numerous AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq. During the operation, the ground force called for the suspected terrorists occupying the target building to come out.  They did not comply with instructions or heed warnings. Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the noncompliant suspects and engaged, killing one and wounding another.  The wounded suspect was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a medical facility for further care.

 

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, kill armed criminal

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups facilitator and killed an armed criminal here early this morning.

The targeted individual was reportedly an Iranian-backed Special Groups facilitator who arranged for Special Groups criminal militia members to receive training in Iran. The training prepared Special Groups criminals for sniper, improvised explosive device and explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. As a facilitator, he reportedly coordinated Special Groups funding, training and weapons. Reports also indicate the wanted individual was an associate of Iranian-backed Special Groups criminals involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Upon arrival at the target area, Coalition forces were engaged by an armed man with an assault rifle. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing the criminal. Coalition forces continued the operation, capturing the wanted individual without further incident.

 

Al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq disrupted; eight killed, 17 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 17 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

Northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains today, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Kanan village. The targeted individual is reportedly associated with numerous AQI members in the region. During the operation, the ground force called for the occupants of several target buildings to come out and observed them attempting to engage the ground force. Coalition forces responded to the threat, killing four terrorists, including the wanted individual. The ground force secured the building where the wanted individual was located and discovered a cache of Urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials.

As Coalition forces continued to clear additional buildings in the target area, they encountered armed enemy personnel attempting to maneuver on their position. Responding to the perceived threat, the ground force engaged, killing another four terrorists. Once the target area was secure, Coalition forces safely destroyed two buildings which contained the Urea and a cache of weapons, to prevent further use for terrorist attacks. Seven suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation.

During two additional coordinated operations in Samarra this morning, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including two wanted individuals. One of the suspects is an alleged leader for the Samarra AQI network and close associate to the senior leader, providing his residence as a bed down location for the leader’s family. Also, the suspect’s son is reportedly involved in VBIED attacks and part of the cell in the region. The other wanted individual, detained nearby, is reportedly a direct associate of AQI senior leadership, including members of the senior leader’s inner circle.

North of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the AQI northern belt network. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The suspected terrorist is reportedly responsible for providing information on Coalition operations in the area for use in planning attacks. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.

Coalition forces captured another alleged associate of the northern belt AQI network during an operation in Baghdad today. Reports indicate the suspect has direct ties to the senior leader of the network and to numerous terrorists involved in the VBIED network in Karkh. The suspect is also allegedly responsible for forging identification documents for numerous AQI members in the region.

On Thursday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorist during an operation east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting an alleged AQI weapons facilitator involved in smuggling and kidnapping operations.

 

Tal Afar SWAT, U.S. Special Forces recover weapons cache near suspected AQI training camp

BALAD, Iraq – The Tal Afar Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces recovered a weapons and munitions cache near a suspected terrorist training camp south of Tal Afar March 4.

Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF conducted an operation to recover a suspected cache connected with recent al Qaeda in Iraq activity in the area. The cache was discovered near a suspected AQI training camp that was the scene of a Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF operation March 2. The operation to disrupt AQI activity in the area resulted in nine terrorists being killed and eight suspected terrorists detained. 

The cache was located in an abandoned village near the training camp. After investigating the buildings and surrounding area, SWAT and U.S. SF discovered the weapons and munitions in several underground hiding places.

SWAT and U.S. SF recovered more than 700 lbs of home-made explosives; 11 120mm high-explosive mortar rounds; two AK-47 assault rifles; seven sights for RPG-7 rocket launchers; two Russian 120mm mortar rounds; one 122mm Chinese high explosive mortar round; 10, 82mm Chinese high explosive mortar rounds; 100 pounds of mortar propellant charges; two Belgian anti-personnel landmines; and various fuses.

The weapons and munitions were destroyed on-site by a Coalition Forces explosive ordnance disposal team.

 

March 6 airpower summary

Chinese Hackers Say They Hacked The Pentagon

Did they? Who knows, besides the Pentagon and the hackers. But, it's entirely feasible that China would want any info they can get, including hacking computers.

They operate from a bare apartment on a Chinese island. They are intelligent 20-somethings who seem harmless. But they are hard-core hackers who claim to have gained access to the world's most sensitive sites, including the Pentagon.

In fact, they say they are sometimes paid secretly by the Chinese government -- a claim the Beijing government denies.

"No Web site is one hundred percent safe. There are Web sites with high-level security, but there is always a weakness," says Xiao Chen, the leader of this group.

"Xiao Chen" is his online name. Along with his two colleagues, he does not want to reveal his true identity. The three belong to what some Western experts say is a civilian cyber militia in China, launching attacks on government and private Web sites around the world.

[...]

The apartment has cement floors and almost no furniture. What they do have are three of the latest computers. They are cautious when it comes to naming the Web sites they have hacked.

But eventually Xiao Chen claims two of his colleagues -- not the ones with him in the room -- have hacked into the Pentagon and downloaded information, although he wouldn't specify what was gleaned. CNN has no way to confirm if his claim is true.

 

Thank goodness CNN is looking out for the hackers.

CNN decided to withhold the address of these hackers' Web site, but Xiao Chen says it has been operating for more than three years, with 10,000 registered users. The site offers tools, articles, news and flash tutorials about hacking.

Hamas Claims Responsibility For Israeli School Shooting

Hasn't Israel killed all the members of Hamas yet? They need to kick it up a notch. Until they break the will of Hamas, this is going to continue to happen.

Hamas Islamists who control the Gaza Strip claimed responsibility on Friday for the shooting of eight students in a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem, the most lethal Palestinian attack in Israel in two years.

A gunman killed the students late on Thursday at the Merkaz Harav religious school in Jerusalem, but the Israeli government pledged to press on with peace talks with West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas's rival.

"The Hamas movement announces its full responsibility for the Jerusalem operation," a Hamas official told Reuters in Gaza. "The movement will release the details at a later stage."

 

CNN is reporting that it was actually Hezbollah.

Sources in Gaza say Thursday's deadly attack on a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem was planned by a group called the Free Men of Galilee -- an operation with purported ties to Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group in Lebanon.

The information was provided to CNN amid news reports that Hamas, the Palestinian movement that runs Gaza, claimed responsibility for the attack.

But according to CNN's sources, Hamas in the West Bank and Gaza is not claiming responsibility for the attack, and the Hamas military wing says it had nothing to do with the shootings.

The sources say the shooter was a member of Hamas but was acting on marching orders from outside Gaza and the West Bank. Hezbollah is based in Lebanon; Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is exiled in Syria.

 

A move by the UN Security Council to condemn the attacks as terrorism was blocked by Libya

 

The solution to this problem is simple. "palestine" needs to be wiped off the map. Oh, I forgot, they're not on the map. Oh well, maybe they could just enslave them to build Jewish temples. That would be a hoot!

Good News From The War On Terror 3/5-6

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, 22 suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

West of Biaj, in the western part of Ninawa Province, Coalition forces detained two suspects. One of the suspects is an alleged associate of al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq. He is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of finances to networks throughout the Mosul area and associated with several senior level foreign terrorist facilitators.

In Mosul, Coalition forces captured another alleged associate of the wanted individual near Biaj. The Mosul suspect is reportedly connected to foreign terrorist facilitation and smuggling networks in the city. Three suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul in addition to the wanted individual.

Also in Mosul, two suspects were detained while targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in attacks against Coalition forces and connected to Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader killed Feb. 27. 

During coordinated operations in Samarra, Coalition forces captured an alleged facilitator involved in the AQI network in the city. The suspect is reportedly associated with two leaders in the network involved in terrorist military and administrative operations. In addition to the wanted man, the ground force detained two suspects during the operations.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network, and a financial facilitator with direct ties to AQI senior leaders in the Baghdad area.

West of the Hamrin Mountains, in Albu Bakr village, Coalition forces conducted an operation Sunday through Tuesday targeting an AQI propaganda cell and meeting location. During the operation, the ground force detained eight suspected terrorists and discovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including military style assault vests and equipment belts, signal rockets, grenades, machine gun magazines, various ammunition and anti-aircraft rounds.

 

ISWAT, U.S. Special Forces kill 9, detain 8 in Ninewa province

BALAD, Iraq – The Tal Afar Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Forces, killed nine criminals and detained eight suspects during an operation to disrupt an al Qaeda in Iraq cell south of Tal Afar in western Ninewa province March 2.

During the intelligence-driven operation against a known criminal support base and suspected training camp, Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF targeted a cell responsible for assassinations, improvised explosive device attacks, and illegal traffic control points throughout the Tal Afar area. The cell is also suspected of conducting recent rocket attacks in the area against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. 

When approaching the camp, several fighters attacked the lead Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF vehicles with heavy fire from rifles and at least one machine gun. One SWAT vehicle was hit and disabled by a PKC machine gun, killing three Iraqi SWAT members and wounding three others.

ISWAT and U.S. SF continued while under heavy fire from several locations in the camp and adjacent wadi. During this engagement, nine enemy fighters were killed.

Three Iraqi civilians were wounded and treated on-site. Eight suspected cell members were detained for further questioning, including two who were wounded and evacuated to a Coalition Forces hospital for treatment. The three Iraqi SWAT team members were also evacuated for treatment.

The operation discovered 100 meters of electrical wire and 12 blasting caps for constructing IEDs, one PKC machine gun, one RPG-7 rocket launcher, four AK-47 rifles, nine grenades, more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and one Belgian-made landmine.

 

Sons of Iraq in Sabbah Nissan discover weapons cache

BAGHDAD – The Sons of Iraq of Sabbah Nissan, a village southeast of Baghdad, discovered a large weapons cache and handed it over to Soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery at Forward Operating Base Hammer Feb. 28.

This was the most recent of 13 weapons caches the SOI have brought to Battery A since the inception of the SOI program in Sabbah Nissan.

The cache consisted of 28 rocket propelled grenade motors, five 125 mm artillery rounds, two 60 mm mortars, one 125 mm HEAT round, one 82 mm mortar, one rocket propelled grenade warhead, two fuses and a 155 mm round.

 

Iraqi Security Forces recover large weapons cache in Jabella

BALAD, Iraq – Jabellah Iraqi Police recovered a large weapons and munitions cache in Jabella, south of Iskandariyah, March 4.

An Iraqi police officer discovered the cache in a house in Jabella. Jabella IP secured the cache and contacted provincial officials to determine its disposition.

Provincial Iraqi Security Forces responded to provide inventory and take charge of the cache, pending its final disposition. Provincial officials ultimately decided to transfer the cache into Coalition forces control.

The operation was deemed a success in that local and provincial Iraqi Security Forces worked quickly and decisively to remove a significant cache from potential use by criminal and Special Groups in the area.

The cache consisted of 165 one-pound blocks of C-4 explosive, 19 rocket propelled grenades, five RPG launchers, one 60mm mortar tube, three rolls of detonation cord and two blasting caps for making improvised explosive devices, 25 107 mm high explosive rockets and 23 rocket fuses, 10 120 mm high explosive mortar rounds, 84 60 mm and 60 81 mm high explosive mortar rounds, along with six 60 mm mortar fuses.

 

ANSF capture insurgents, destroy known IED making facilities in Zabul

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan- Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, captured seven insurgents Feb. 28 in Surkhagan Village during an air assault mission in Zabul province.

During the recent operations, Afghan National Army and Coalition forces infiltrated several compounds and cave complexes in search of insurgents, bomb-making facilities and material.

They found three Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, IED making materials, storage facilities, ammunition caches and insurgent fighting positions. The combined force called in precision air strikes that  destroyed the cave complex, fighting positions and the ammunition storage areas.

ANA leadership conducted a shura with the villagers to assure them the area is safer now because the insurgents were captured, which helped neutralize the IED threat.

 

ANSF inflict insurgent losses in Helmand province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, killed several insurgents March 2 after a failed ambush by the Taliban 30 kilometers northeast of Gareshk District in Helmand province. 

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a group of insurgents engaged them with small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire.  The combined force immediately returned accurate small-arms and machine gun fire. The large group of insurgents attempted to out-maneuver the combined force and moved into a trench line.

Moments later, the combined force fixed the insurgents in their position and used several precision munitions to effectively eliminate the Taliban insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban networks

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Seven suspected insurgents were detained Mar. 4 during an operation, which targeted a Taliban leader and disrupted weapons-facilitations operations in Garmser District, Helmand Province.

Coalition forces found and detained seven individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban weapon-facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

March 4 airpower summary